If
you have to ask how much it costs, then this car is
probably not for you. Having said that and before you
invest $77,000 (or $84,000 for the convertible), you
may want to ask why. It’s a good question, and
we have plenty of answers for you. And yes, if you can
afford it, buy one.
The
645Ci is a driver's car that you will enjoy in
the city and on the highway but will totally fall in
love with if you ever get it on a track. It has looks
that are luxurious and inspire speed. While the humpish
“whale tail” could be rethought, overall,
the exterior lines are pleasing to the eye. Inside is
a different story. There is nothing wrong necessarily.
The cabin is spacious but spartan in feel, and some
of the instruments and controls seem too simple. Then
there is the iDrive, the electronic system that runs
everything, which will drive you mad trying to figure
it out. However, once in, buckled up and familiar with
systems, the fun starts.
The
car is sure footed and handles and corners beautifully.
Acceleration is good and braking is simply sensational.
BMW has come up with a racy specimen with precise steering
that won’t skid.
Despite
its sports car pedigree, the ride is not that rough
and enables you to thoroughly enjoy it as an everyday
car. With good trunk space, it is perfect for weekend
trips sans kids. All this excitement in driving comes
at a much lesser price than an exotic and will give
you the reliability of a BMW.
Standard
features of note include: Digital Motor Electronics
engine-management system with adaptive knock control;
Four-wheel ventilated disc brakes with electronic brake
proportioning; Dynamic Stability Control with Dynamic
Traction Control; Anti-lock Braking System with Dynamic
Brake Control; Vehicle-speed-sensitive, variable-assist,
variable-ratio rack-and-pinion power steering, Active
Roll Stabilization; Active Roll Stabilization; Rain-sensing
windshield wipers; and Park Distance Control.
Warranty/Service: 4 year/50,000 mile Full Maintenance Program; 4 year/50,000
mile Limited Warranty; 12-year Limited Rust Perforation
Warranty; 4 year/ 50,000 mile BMW Roadside Assistance
Program.
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